Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say religion is not at all important

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say religion is not at all important

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say…

Survey year

There are clear standards for what is right and wrong

Right or wrong depends on the situation

Neither/both equally

Don't know

Sample Size

Sample size = 3,966. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say religion is not at all important by religious group

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say…

Religious tradition

There are clear standards for what is right and wrong

Right or wrong depends on the situation

Neither/both equally

Don't know

Sample Size

Sample size = 0. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Demographic✭Information

Age distribution among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are ages…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

18-29

30-49

50-64

65+

Sample Size

Sample size = 690. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

Younger Millennial

Older Millennial

Generation X

Baby Boomer

Silent

Greatest

Sample Size

Sample size = 690. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

Men

Women

Sample Size

Sample size = 704. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who identify as…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

White

Black

Asian

Latino

Other/Mixed

Sample Size

Sample size = 694. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

Immigrants

Second generation

Third generation or higher

Sample Size

Sample size = 697. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who have a household income of…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

Less than $30,000

$30,000-$49,999

$50,000-$99,999

$100,000 or more

Sample Size

Sample size = 633. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who have completed…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

High school or less

Some college

College

Post-graduate degree

Sample Size

Sample size = 700. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

Married

Living with a partner

Divorced/separated

Widowed

Never married

Sample Size

Sample size = 698. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

Parents

Non-parents

Sample Size

Sample size = 700. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Beliefs✭and✭Practices

Belief in God among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say they…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

Believe in God; absolutely certain

Believe in God; fairly certain

Believe in God; not too/not at all certain

Believe in God; don't know

Do not believe in God

Other/don't know if they believe in God

Sample Size

Sample size = 704. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who attend religious services…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

At least once a week

Once or twice a month/a few times a year

Seldom/never

Don't know

Sample Size

Sample size = 704. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who pray…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

At least daily

Weekly

Monthly

Seldom/never

Don't know

Sample Size

Sample size = 704. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who attend prayer group…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

At least once a week

Once or twice a month

Several times a year

Seldom/never

Don't know

Sample Size

Sample size = 704. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who meditate…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

At least once a week

Once or twice a month

Several times a year

Seldom/never

Don't know

Sample Size

Sample size = 704. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

At least once a week

Once or twice a month

Several times a year

Seldom/never

Don't know

Sample Size

Sample size = 704. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

At least once a week

Once or twice a month

Several times a year

Seldom/never

Don't know

Sample Size

Sample size = 704. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

Religion

Philosophy/reason

Common sense

Science

Don't know

Sample Size

Sample size = 704. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who read scripture…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

At least once a week

Once or twice a month

Several times a year

Seldom/never

Don't know

Sample Size

Sample size = 704. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

Word of God; should be taken literally

Word of God; not everything taken literally

Word of God; other/don't know

Not the word of God

Other/don't know

Sample Size

Sample size = 704. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who …in heaven

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

Believe

Don't believe

Other/don't know

Sample Size

Sample size = 704. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who …in hell

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

Believe

Don't believe

Other/don't know

Sample Size

Sample size = 704. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Social✭and✭Political✭Views

Party affiliation among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who identify as…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

Republican/lean Rep.

No lean

Democrat/lean Dem.

Sample Size

Sample size = 704. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

Conservative

Moderate

Liberal

Don't know

Sample Size

Sample size = 704. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who would rather have…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

Smaller government; fewer services

Bigger government; more services

Depends

Don't know

Sample Size

Sample size = 704. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

Does more harm than good

Does more good than harm

Neither/both equally

Don't know

Sample Size

Sample size = 704. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say abortion should be…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

Legal in all/most cases

Illegal in all/most cases

Don't know

Sample Size

Sample size = 704. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say homosexuality…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

Should be accepted

Should be discouraged

Neither/both equally

Don't know

Sample Size

Sample size = 704. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who …same-sex marriage

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

Strongly favor/favor

Oppose/strongly oppose

Don't know

Sample Size

Sample size = 704. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy

Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost

Neither/both equally

Don't know

Sample Size

Sample size = 704. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who say religion is not at all important by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say humans…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong

Evolved; due to natural processes

Evolved; due to God's design

Evolved; don't know how

Always existed in present form

Don't know

Sample Size

Sample size = 704. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.